Manchester United are mulling over a move for highly-rated Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh as part of a youth recruitment drive, according to the Daily Mail.
The Reds have been monitoring the 19-year-old’s progress for several years and scouts were sent to watch him several times last season. They came back with glowing reviews and they believe that Hesketh can develop into a Premier League star in the future.
However, Southampton have indicated that they have no interest in selling the youngster and United have not approached the Saints with an offer, according to the paper’s sources.
The attacking midfielder has 18 months remaining on his contract, but any move to the Reds when his contract expires would involve a tribunal and the Saints would be entitled to millions in compensation.
Hesketh burst onto the scene in the 2013/14 season, finishing as the Saints’ top scorer at Under-18 level and winning the Scholar of the Season award.
Last season, he stepped up to the Under-21 side, helping the Saints win the Premier League Cup, beating Blackburn Rovers in the final. He also made his first-team debut for Ronald Koeman’s side, coming on as a substitute against United and starting against Burnley.
The Dutchman believes Hesketh can make the permanent step up to the first-team in the future and it will be tough for United to convince the player to move from the club he first joined as an eight-year-old.
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